A new Coop

[Coonie]

We are interested in making a new coop. We want to buy some full grown chickens and fence them in, because our free ranging chickens are being eaten. We are looking for a coop that would hold 20-25 chickens, how big would it need to be.

 

[redsoxs]

The recommended coop size is 4 sq. ft. per bird. That's only a 10 x 10 for 25 birds but make it bigger in case you ever want to add birds. Good luck to you!

 

[Coonie]

Thanks.

 

[MoonShadows]

If you are going to make a large run of at least 10 square feet per bird, you can go smaller on the coop...about 2-3 square feet per bird...if you live in a warm climate and the birds will be out most of the time. If chickens only sleep in the coop, you don't need 4 square feet per bird. Now, if they are going to spend more time in the coop...especially if you live where it gets cold or rains/snows a lot, then yes, go for at least 4 square feet per bird in the coop and at least 10 square feet per bird in the run.

 

[Coonie]

ok

 

[scooter147]

Keep in mind 4 sq ft per bird is the minimum recommended. For 25 birds I would go bigger than 10 x10, the cost to go to a 12 x 12 is minimal.

 

[Eleisha]

I'm going to build a new coop soon & something I keep in mind is that sheets of plywood are 4 x 8. For example : If you make a coop that is 16 x 8 it will be 128 sq ft. You will make less cuts, save time, waste less wood and get the most for your money!

 

[Coonie]

Ill keep that in mind

 

[DenverDawg]

Agrees that Thinking in dimensional lumber measurements is the best.

 

[fiddlebanshee]

Check also what the county requirements are for having to get a building permit. In my county it is for any buidling that is bigger than 150 sq ft. So I built my last coop 10x14 to stay under that